Freetimes
Most people have heard of the Scouts, the UK’s biggest co-educational youth movement, but do you know what Scouting actually involves? Michelle Rowlands, our estates and facilities manager, does. She volunteers as a Beaver leader and trustee for the 43rd Salford Scout Group, where she runs activities for a group of 24 children aged 6 to 8.
Scouting is a family activity for Michelle - her son Calum (12) is a Scout and her daughter Kayleigh (19) is an assistant Beaver Leader
Scouting is a family activity for Michelle - her son Calum (12) is a Scout and her daughter Kayleigh (19) is an assistant Beaver Leader
Michelle organises a range of activities for the Beaver meetings, such as this magic show, to keep the children entertained
Michelle organises a range of activities for the Beaver meetings, such as this magic show, to keep the children entertained
“It's important for the community”
Michelle’s involvement with the Scouts began back in 2017. Her son joined the Cub Scouts and she soon found herself helping out at their meetings.
“I was going along and taking photos for the group’s Facebook page and website,” Michelle says. “The Beavers section runs the hour before Cubs and the section leader didn’t have enough support, so I said ‘I can come and help. I’m staying for Scouts anyway’.”
When the Beaver leader decided to step down, the group Scout leader asked if Michelle would take on the role. “I said yes because I didn’t want to see the section fold,” Michelle explains. “It’s giving something back to the community and helping children learn new skills.”
Volunteering with the Scouts takes time and tenacity, as Michelle explains. “They say it’s an hour a week but it’s definitely not! There’s planning meetings, prep work, setting up and tidying up - all the extra stuff that’s not within the hour you’re actually with the kids. There are a lot of responsibilities but I enjoy it.”
Scouting is a family activity for Michelle - her son Calum (12) is a Scout and her daughter Kayleigh (19) is an assistant Beaver Leader
“I love working with the kids”
Looking after a big group of children has its challenges. “We have to make sure that they’re constantly entertained because if you leave them to their own devices, they can become disruptive,” Michelle says. “You need to give a little bit of free rein but you also need to know when to tell them to start behaving themselves!”
Michelle says she loves working with the kids though. “I love seeing smiles on their faces when they learn a new skill and get their badges,” she says.
“Once they’ve earned all their badges, they get their Chief Scout's Award and it’s really good when you’re able to award one of those. You feel like you’ve worked together to achieve that.”
Michelle also likes socialising with the other adult volunteers. “We’ve got a good social group going,” she says. “After the Remembrance Sunday parade, a group of us came into town and went for something to eat. The kids all went home and we had a fun day ourselves!”
Beaver Edie receiving her Chief Scout's Bronze Award certificate from Michelle – a proud moment
Beaver Edie receiving her Chief Scout's Bronze Award certificate from Michelle – a proud moment
Beaver Edie receiving her Chief Scout's Bronze Award certificate from Michelle – a proud moment
One of Michelle’s favourite memories: "We did coasteering and surfing at Harlyn Beach and went to Sennen Beach to have a barbecue”
One of Michelle’s favourite memories: "We did coasteering and surfing at Harlyn Beach and went to Sennen Beach to have a barbecue”
“Scout groups are shouting out for volunteers”
Michelle’s advice to anyone who’s thinking of volunteering is to “do it! Lots of Scout groups are shouting out for volunteers," she says. "There are 24 kids in my group and I’ve got a list of 10 people waiting to join. There was a news report that said there are tens of thousands of children waiting to join the Scouts.”
“As long as you’re passionate and willing to learn, you don’t have to know everything straight away. I did all my training in just over a year. When you complete it you get your Wood Badge, which is 2 small wooden beads on a leather thong that you wear with your neckerchief.”
If Michelle’s story has inspired you to get involved, she’d love to hear from you. “If anybody’s interested in volunteering, come and talk to me about it.” You can find your local group on the Scouts website.
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